An Ode to An Era

Dear David,

A broken little heart that was mended

You taught me all I know -

My life, another’s, justice, on three chessboards in a way

Not fair to learn to play the game this way, I still did to my dismay

***

But the comfort of the summer months

A room, my books, a doll I owned once

And a home given not by stork, instead out of love

I came to believe I was given a gift from above

***

These memories I carry forward on this pathway

They taste like Italian soda on a hot summer’s day

My mind’s eye sees a friend, Jack, and a pitcher of water on a table

Memories of your game of chess, and finally something stable

***

I still see a guardian that I loved so dear

And familial laughter which my ears still do hear

Your hug, your love - a phantom souvenir

And to still have my chessboards – a profound blessing to bear

***

All my love to you,

Ashley